THE TRUE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

African refugees face a number of challenges as they do their daily battle for survival; so to speak. But the good news is that the growing population of Africans in Australia is playing a vital role in shaping the socio-economic and political landscape of the country.

Believe it or not! The Africans are celebrating their new life in Australia, despite their material disadvantage; increasingly sharing some aspects of their culture and tradition with other Australians.

And indeed African generosity knows no bounds! For example, the Sudanese refugees have brought their traditional Christmas celebrations to the city of Adelaide in South Australia; showcasing their culture and calling on all people of goodwill (Christians and non-Christians alike) to join them during the festive season.

The celebrations will feature religious processions through the city (along the lines of the Sudanese Christtian tradition). And there will be a lot of singing and rejoicing in the true spirit of Christmas.

Reflecting on this development, the Advertiser newspaper reports that Rev David Kuol, a Sudanese Anglican priest, who came to Australia as a refugee in 2003,will lead the combined Sudanese congregations - including Anglican, Lutheran, Uniting Church, and elements of the Catholic faith - in Christmas prayers and religious processions.

Merry Christmas!

CAFÉ ENFIELD

Africans love the Café Enfield because “it is a home away from home”; a family friendly centre, a haven for new migrants and refugees. The hub of the community!

Café Enfield provides a range of activities for adults and children alike. It is a good place for individuals and families to meet other families in a non-threatening environment. And learn new skills. Or have a good cup of coffee. Or chat. Or read stories to children.

There is always something new at Café Enfield; something for everyone. A visit to the establishment is an interesting experience in its own right.

I remember my visit with fun memories. It was one of the best invitations I ever had.

In actual fact, Café Enfield is a new model of service delivery that is becoming increasingly popular with the new generation of African families in South Australia.

The result speaks for itself! Undoubtedly, it is an impressive sight to see the harmonisation of interests between the service providers and their clients at Cafe Enfield. A shared sense of purpose, of joy, and of celebration. Thanks to the efficient and effective management!

“My job at the moment is to build a good relationship with African women and children attending Café Enfield every Tuesday”, said Fran Stokes, the energetic coordinator of the program and the brain behind the Sudanese playgroup. “There is still a lot of work to be done”.

Fran has other more creative things in mind: “Eventually, I am hoping to recruit interested African women to work as care providers for the Family Day Care program”, she said in her usual ladylike and professional manner.

There are often self development opportunities for parents available at Café Enfield; including parenting workshops for new mothers, budgeting, cooking, computing, and even volunteering.

More stories on http://africanmigrants.blogspot.com/

HOME-BASED CHILDCARE BUSINESS

Access to the mainstream childcare services is an expensive proposition for the poor African families trying desperately to make a living in Australia today. And most new arrivals just cannot afford the luxury of such services.

But change is in the offing! And Fran Stokes, a concerned citizen and an experienced multicultural fieldworker, is on a mission to address the African disadvantage.

In fact, she has dedicated her life’s work to helping the new arrivals; providing quality childcare projects in the emerging African community in South Australia.

“I am so much looking forward to supporting the African community in starting their own childcare businesses and looking after African children while their mums work, study, or have a break”, Fran said, thoughtfully.

“I understand their child rearing practices are different from our own and they do not work in isolation…I believe that in time we will get the best of both worlds working in harmony”.

Thus, to make her dream come true, Fran is working closely with the African community here; building an effective relationship with the African women and children in order to facilitate change.

Fran, undoubtedly, deserves our full support.

AFRICAN FAMILY DAY

Christmas is just around the corner and the African-Australians are once again in a celebratory mood; although not all will be celebrating.

The African Community Organization of South Australia (ACOSA) presents the “African Family Day” on Sunday, 12 December 2004 at the Kilburn Community Centre, 59 Gladstone Avenue, Kilburn.

The event will kick off at 12 noon with interactive multimedia projects; focusing on the African family and culture in Australia, followed by a colorful display of children/students works.

The main theme of this year’s event is focused on African culture in transition; emphasizing the dynamics of African culture in the 21st Century.

Consequently, the “African Family Day” will feature live music, traditional and modern dance, fashion parade, arts and crafts, and refreshments.

So join the fun!

The event is co-sponsored by the Multicultural Education Committee, an advisory body for the Minister of Education and Children Services.

AFRICANS WIN REFUGEE STATUS

The Australian Immigration Minister, Senator Amanda Vanstone, is definitely on the right track, following her decision to accept 24 Ethiopian refugees from the Sudan’s Abu Rakham refugee camp.

The Africans landed in Hobart, Tasmania, a few days ago.

The new arrivals are among the 300 African refugees from the Rakham camp to be resettled in Australia recently. And more will soon follow!